ABU DHABI - The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) announced that it has signed a partnership agreement with Japan Oil Development Co. Ltd. (JODCO) and the Kumon Institute of Education (KIE) to pilot the highly successful Kumon Method of learning mathematics in two ADNOC Schools in Abu Dhabi.

The world-renowned Kumon method was pioneered in Japan and guides the instruction of mathematics and other disciplines for students ranging from kindergarten to high school. It also helps students to build study habits, concentration and a strong understanding of fundamental topics. Individual learning plans are created for the students, and, as a student progresses, teachers plan for students to study at a level that motivates them. To date, the Kumon method is practiced in 50 countries around the world.

The agreement was signed by Ghannam Al Mazrouei, Director of Human Capital & Administration at ADNOC; Kazuyoshi Arisaka, Director and General Manager of the Abu Dhabi Branch of JODCO; and Masaki Tsuda, General Manager of KIE. Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, ADNOC Group CEO and Minister of State, and Takayuki Ueda, President and CEO of INPEX Corporation, were also present to witness the signing.

Al Mazrouei said: "Our partnership with the Kumon Institute of Education reaffirms ADNOC’s unwavering commitment to the learning and development of students in our schools, with a particular focus on STEM education and self-learning.

"Our children’s education is critical to the future prosperity of the country. Today’s signing signals a substantial expansion of ADNOC's investment in the acceleration and growth of advanced education opportunities for Emirati children. The programme also honors our wise leadership’s vision and ambition to create innovative education experiences to allow our youth to fulfill their potential." The programme, in its pilot phase, will benefit an estimated 500 Grade 1 students in ADNOC Schools in the Academic Year 2018/2019, which began in September 2018. ADNOC, JODCO and KIE have also discussed delivering the pilot programme at community schools in Abu Dhabi. After the pilot, the programme is expected to be rolled out gradually over the next five years to a total of 10 schools, in Abu Dhabi and the Al Dhafra region. This expanded reach will positively impact almost 10,000 students from Grades 1 to 5.

"We believe strong math skills are the key to children’s success and confidence and the Kumon method will help children to master basic math skills," Arisaka said: "Through this most recent initiative, among others, JODCO is committed to continue contributing to the development of human resources and social infrastructure in Abu Dhabi as it seeks to further enhance its relations with Abu Dhabi." Under the terms of the agreement, JODCO and KIE collaborate to deliver this pilot programme at the Abu Dhabi campus and the Madinat Zayed campus of ADNOC Schools. This includes providing training to 30 teachers during the academic year.

This new partnership complements ADNOC’s collaboration with LEGO Education to champion high-quality, innovative, hands-on learning programmes designed to advance the study of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in all ADNOC Schools in Abu Dhabi and the Al Dhafra region.

To date, more than 6,000 students – from elementary to high school – have benefitted from the four ADNOC-LEGO Innovation Studios in ADNOC schools, with over 70 teachers trained. ADNOC plans to expand this curriculum to include public schools in Abu Dhabi.

As a leader in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), ADNOC closely aligns its strategy with the UAE leadership’s goal to develop an education system that emphasises advanced technology and engineering. ADNOC’s focus on STEM education, youth empowerment and enriching community life drives its delivery of programmes that aims to nurture a workforce which supports country’s future business needs.

© Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2018.